3D Printed CubeSat Measures Electromagnetic Effects of Space Storms

Roboze, a manufacturer of industrial 3D printing technology for extreme end-use applications, has been selected by the University of Colorado Boulder to optimize the design and 3D printed components for a CubeSat project within the college's department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. The CubeSat will spend at least 6 months in orbit measuring electromagnetic waves emitted by lightning discharges on the earth's surface. 

The CubeSat's small size and particular geometries, including strict mass and volume limitations, prompted the Lightning, Atmosphere, Ionosphere and Radiation Belt (LAIR) research team to select 3D printing over conventional methods for the manufacturing of components. Leveraging its high-performance polymer, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Roboze will produce the CubeSat's magnetic field sensor holders. 

“Because we are so constrained by mass, 3D printing was the ideal solution for our CubeSat,” says Vicki Knoer, a researcher in the project. “Roboze allowed us to meet the requirements of the project by guiding us in choosing the most suitable material and in the optimization of the parts to minimize mass. We are very satisfied with the results we are achieving.” 

The project kicked off in spring 2019, and after the first validation phases, it will see the launch into space in the first half of 2022.

“Thanks to extraordinary mechanical properties as well as high thermal and chemical resistance, 3D printing is rapidly replacing metal in a wide variety of extreme end-use applications including aerospace, mobility and energy,” says Roboze founder and CEO Alessio Lorusso. “It was an honor and a real privilege to collaborate with the LAIR group on this project. They are one of the pioneers in the use of additive technology in this field and giving our support to the realization of their mission makes me extremely proud.”

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.